WASHINGTON -- Metro fired 38 bus drivers last year for drug and alcohol violations, and three more have been dismissed so far this year, officials said.
The firings occurred even though the transit agency gives employees who have been there more than six months a chance to undergo substance abuse treatment after an initial violation. Metro fires veteran drivers only after a second offense.
The number of drivers fired for substance abuse problems represents fewer than 2 percent of the 2,400 bus drivers who work for Metro.
All drivers are tested for drugs and alcohol before hiring. They also are tested after every crash. They may face additional testing if the agency has suspicions of substance abuse, or as part of a random testing program.
Copyright The Associated Press
